Tiger Woods wins THE PLAYERS Championship: He’s back

Tiger Woods is officially back after overcoming a major hurdle that has disrupted his glorious career for so long.

With the win at THE PLAYERS Championship on Sunday, he got the better of a tournament that has been a significant test for him. Aside from his only other win there 2001, he has not fared well. It marked just second time he’s hoisted the trophy at the rigorous Pete Dye course, and that’s significant for many reasons.

First, the burning question with Woods since the incidents that took place in November 2009 is whether or not he’s officially, unequivocally back. Because he measures himself by majors alone, then even the eight tournaments he’s won, including THE PLAYERS, may not be enough. But THE PLAYERS is different, it’s known as “The fifth major” largely due to its stellar field, difficult test and high drama.

When adding in the fact that Woods has struggled mightily there over the course of his career there make the win even more impressive, more gratifying and more substantial. The majors measuring stick that Tiger places is his standard for himself. With that in mind, it stands to reason that he may indeed be back because his confidence is back and at an all-time high.

In other words, if he conquered THE PLAYERS, an event that’s been at least as difficult as a major for him to succeed in, then he can win anything. He’ll have three more genuine opportunities to prove that theory right this calendar year and many more after that.